For decades it has been a routine journey—just a few minutes from Murang’a town to Mukuyu at a cost of ten shillings.
Today, that same one-and-a-half-kilometer trip has sparked outrage after fares were increased by 50 percent to Sh15, with residents saying the hike is taking a toll on their daily lives.
The latest price adjustments initially circulated widely on social media, with many netizens dismissing them as memes meant to lighten the burden of rising costs.
However, for residents on the ground, the reality has hit hard, with many now struggling to cope.
Every morning, residents stream from Murang’a town to Mukuyu market, a hub of small-scale traders seeking to earn a living.
However, the recent fare increase has disrupted this routine, with many now opting to walk to save on transport costs.
Businessman Francis Thiongo said he has been forced to change his routine.
“I now prefer walking. The Sh5 may seem small, but it is not for someone who travels up to four times a day. But walking eats into time that I could use to do business and make extra income,” he said.
Other commuters echoed similar concerns, terming the increase unfair given the short distance.
“For someone like me who travels five to six times a day to get supplies, every coin counts. This increase will definitely affect my business because sales have not improved,” said tailor Cyrus Mburu.
Transport operators, however, defended the move, citing the rising cost of fuel and the general increase in the cost of living.
Mathioya travellers Sacco (MTS) driver, Richard Macharia, said they had no alternative.
“We care about our passengers, but we have no choice because the cost of fuel has gone up, just like the cost of living. We call on the government to intervene and reduce fuel prices,” he said.
Another driver, Mwaniki Muraya, noted that the fare adjustment has not been well received by passengers.
“Most passengers now prefer walking. I started my day at 7 a.m., but by noon, my vehicle is yet to fill up because people are avoiding the fare,” he said.
Passengers argue that while they understand the challenges facing transport operators, a 50 per cent increase is too steep.
“We know fares cannot be adjusted to Sh11 or Sh12 due to lack of coins, but a jump to Sh15 is too high,” said commuter Lewel Mwangi.
The fare increase comes amid rising fuel prices across the country, a situation that has continued to push up the cost of transport and other basic commodities.
At the latest review, the price of Super Petrol stands at approximately Sh200 per litre, while Diesel is retailing at about Sh190 per litre, further piling pressure on both transport operators and commuters.
By Florence Kinyua
